Dianna Russini resigned from her job at The Athletic after Page Six published a photo of her with New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel at a luxury hotel.
The NFL reporter submitted his resignation in a letter to Athletic Editor-in-Chief Stephen Ginsburg, which was obtained by Page Six.
Read Deanna Russini’s full statement posted Tuesday.
Dear Stephen
Please accept this letter as my immediate resignation from The Athletic. Although I am deeply saddened, I have come to this decision knowing what is right for me, my family, and my work. I have spent my career building.
You and I have already publicly addressed the recent attacks against me, and I have nothing to publicly add to what we have said so far. I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career and stand behind every article I have ever published.
When the Page Six article first appeared, The Athletic clearly supported me and expressed confidence in my work and pride in my journalism. I’m grateful for that.
Unfortunately, in the days that followed, various media commentators simply distanced themselves from the facts and advanced their own speculations. Furthermore, this media frenzy is proceeding at breakneck speed, ignoring the review process The Athletic is completing. The situation continues to escalate with repeated leaks, and I am not willing to submit to a public investigation that has already caused more damage than I am willing to accept.
Rather than continue with this, I have decided to step aside before my current contract expires on June 30th. I do so not because I accept the narrative built around this episode, but because I refuse to give it any more oxygen or let it define me or my career.
Throughout my more than 15-year career in sports journalism, including stints at NBC, ESPN, and The Athletic, I’ve built a body of work that I’m proud of. I have broken stories, earned the trust of sources across the league and been held to the highest standards of professional conduct. This record speaks for itself.
I remain grateful for The Athletic, the amazing colleagues I worked with there, and the platform it provided. Thank you for the support you have shown me during this difficult time. I wish you nothing but success in your future endeavors.
Sincerely,
Diana Russini.
